Madras HC sternly remarked on the prohibition of temple processions in the Dalit-dominated North Street: Stopping religious processions in the name of caste amounts to untouchability!
High Court rebukes caste discrimination at temple festivals, orders Dindigul Collector to investigate within 12 weeks Madurai – In a landmark judgment, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has held that any practice or custom that excludes any class of citizens on the basis of caste from any public religious festival cannot be constitutionally valid. The Court clarified that Article 17 of the Constitution completely abolishes untouchability and this prohibition is not subject to any custom, tradition, or social acceptance. The Bench headed by Justice L. Victoria Gauri issued these important directions while hearing a petition filed by Bakkiyaraj. Petitioner Devendra belongs to the Kula Vellalar community and alleges that during the annual festival of the Arulmighu Ayiram Aruval Kottai Karuppasamy Temple in Muthalapuram village, Nilakottai taluk, Dindigul district, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is prevented from entering North Street, which is dominated by his community. Why the procession is not taken to North Street? Petitioner Bakiyaraj Devendra, belonging to the Kula Vellalar community and a resident of Muthalapuram village’s North Street, filed a petition in the High Court, stating that the village deity is a public deity and is worshipped by people of all castes. Every year during the Thai month, a wooden casket decorated with silk cloth is taken out in a procession through the village streets. However, for the past several years, the respondents (Kumanesan, Raghupathi, Seeni, Satish, Kathinisan, and Kannan) have deliberately prevented the procession from entering North Street. The petitioner alleges that this restriction is based solely on caste grounds. The private respondents allege that the deity’s procession through North Road will be defiled and polluted. Furthermore, members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community are not included in the temple administration, are prevented from offering offerings, and are excluded from making decisions related to the festival. The petitioner sought directions to officials, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, Revenue Divisional Officer, Tehsildar, and Police Inspector, to ensure the procession enters North Road and ensure a peaceful celebration by including some members of the Devendra Kula Vellalar community in the festival committee. Respondents stated that there is no discrimination based on caste in the village. Each community has its own temple and its own customs. The procession route has remained the same for centuries and has never been diverted through the petitioner’s community’s road. People from all communities can enter and worship at the temple, and there are no caste-based restrictions. Citing an earlier order, they argued that this petition attempts to reopen the same issue. The government stated that maintaining law and order was its priority and that all devotees, regardless of caste, would be allowed to worship and participate in religious activities at the temple. The court did not consider this matter merely a dispute over the route of a village procession. Rather, it was an issue of constitutional morality and social democracy. In its order, the court clearly stated: “The Constitution of India does not merely establish political democracy. It envisions a social democracy based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. The framers of the Constitution consciously recognized that caste discrimination had deprived a large section of Indian society of dignity and equal status for centuries. Therefore, the Constitution guaranteed equality before the law under Article 14, prohibited discrimination under Article 15, and abolished untouchability in all its forms under Article 17.” The court further stated that when members of a Scheduled Caste community are prevented from participating in a public religious festival or having equal access to a public temple, it is not merely a private dispute. “Such allegations strike at the very core of constitutional morality.” Interpreting Article 17, the Court wrote – “Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. This constitutional prohibition is absolute. It is not subject to custom, usage, local tradition, or social acceptance. The Constitution does not merely prohibit physical segregation. Any disability imposed on a citizen on account of caste identity falls within the broad constitutional scope of Article 17, which it seeks to eradicate.” Regarding Article 25, the Court stated that religious freedom is subject to public order, morality, health, and other provisions of Part III. “No religious practice or customary usage can withstand constitutional scrutiny if it violates equality, dignity, or fraternity. Constitutional morality must always take precedence over social morality when the two conflict.” The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. – Justice L. Victoria Gauri ‘Temple festivals are not just religious events, they are also social institutions’ Citing Article 51A(e), the court stated that temple festivals are not merely religious events. “It is also a social institution meant to unite people. If a festival becomes a means of exclusion, the very purpose of community worship is defeated.” The court, noting the petitioner’s allegations and the respondents’ denials, stated that disputed questions concerning historical routes, practices, and festival administration cannot be decided solely on the basis of affidavits in a writ petition. However, it also clarified: “When allegations of caste-based exclusion from a public religious festival are made, constitutional courts cannot simply relegate the petitioner to a civil forum. Constitutional courts cannot remain silent spectators to issues of equality, dignity, and fraternity.” These instructions were given to the District Collector The court assigned primary responsibility to the District Collector, stating: “The District Collector must remember that the issue is not merely about route management. It is linked to the constitutional promise of equal citizenship. The Constitution does not recognize hierarchical participation in public religious life based on caste hierarchy. Faith cannot be divided street by street along caste lines. Deities worshipped by the entire village belong to the entire village. Public religious institutions cannot become instruments for perpetuating social exclusion.” The court ordered a detailed investigation within 12 weeks, directing the Collector to convene a meeting of all stakeholders (petitioner community, private respondent, village elders, revenue,
Ramnarayan Baghel Murder Case | The family will receive an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh in the lynching case of a Dalit migrant worker in Kerala, but shortcomings in the police investigation have exacerbated the trouble!
A Dalit migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was murdered seven months ago by a mob after being branded a “Bangladeshi.” Thrissur – Ramnarayan Baghel’s family has received a major relief in their fight for justice. The district-level monitoring committee has made a historic decision to award them an additional ₹8.25 lakh in compensation, in addition to the previously approved amount. Earlier last year, the Kerala government had announced a grant of ₹30 lakh to Ramnarayan’s family. While the additional compensation decision will provide relief from financial hardship, the family is concerned by the court’s findings of flaws in the ongoing police investigation. During a recent press conference in Thrissur, Baghel’s family appealed to the Kerala government to ensure that the investigation into Ramnarayan’s alleged mass murder is not derailed, that the investigation be expedited, and that all culprits be brought to justice. The family stated that they were deeply saddened by the court’s finding of deficiencies in the police chargesheet, which was evidence of repeated lapses in the investigation. They stated that the court’s finding of deficiencies in the chargesheet was evidence of repeated lapses on the part of the police during the investigation, and that it was deeply concerning that the police had shown such negligence in such a serious case. The family demanded that the Kerala government and police conduct the investigation in a manner that ensures justice and that such a brutal ethnic massacre does not occur again in the state. They stated that the government should intervene to expedite the legal process and immediately appoint a special public prosecutor, as demanded by the family. The family also urged the police to address all deficiencies in the chargesheet already filed in court and submit a new, legally correct chargesheet as soon as possible. Addressing the media, Ramnarayan’s wife Lalita Baghel, his mother Shyamabai Baghel, brother Shashikant, Justice for Ramnarayan Baghel Action Council President K. Sivaraman, and convener Advocate K.S. Nisar, member M. Sulaiman Palakkad, and Advocate Nikhil Chandrasekaran, who is also the family’s lawyer, reiterated that ensuring a fair investigation and punishing the accused is essential not only for justice in Ramnarayan’s case but also to prevent such crimes in the future. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, the first in Kerala since the enactment of new criminal laws criminalizing mob lynching. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Tragic Incident That Shamed Kerala It is noteworthy that on December 17, 2025, Ramnarayan Baghel, a 31-year-old Dalit migrant laborer from Karahi village in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in the Walayar area of Palakkad district, Kerala. Baghel had come to Kerala in search of employment and was suspected of theft in the Attapallam area of Walayar. The attackers called him “Bangladeshi” and began brutally beating him. According to the post-mortem report, he had over 40 serious injuries on his body, including repeated blows with sticks and batons on his head, face, chest, and back. Ethnic and Identity Groups Police arrested five people in connection with the case, including four BJP workers. Two more accused were later arrested. The case was registered under Section 103(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalizes mob lynching, and is the first such case in Kerala. A case was also registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Legal hurdles in providing compensation to migrants under the SC/ST Act The Action Council, which provides legal assistance to Ramnarayan Baghel’s family, welcomed the decision of the district-level monitoring committee to award the family an additional compensation of ₹8.25 lakh (approximately $8.25 million) in addition to the previously approved amount. The committee made this decision at its meeting on July 2nd after considering an application submitted by Ramnarayan’s mother through the Action Council. Discrimination and Identity Relationships According to the Action Council, this decision also removed a legal hurdle that typically faced individuals from outside Kerala receiving compensation under the SC/ST Act when they faced caste-based atrocities within the state. The Action Council called this decision a historic milestone in the fight for justice and demanded that this benefit be extended to all victims of caste atrocities in Kerala. The family stated that the government’s prompt approval of compensation in Ramnarayan’s case and the release of funds under the SC/ST Act should become the norm in all cases of atrocities against Dalits. They credited the Action Council’s continued intervention with prompting the government to take swift action. However, they stressed that compensation alone cannot erase injustice. They said this is the first case registered under Section 103(2) of the IPC, which criminalizes mob lynching, in Kerala since the implementation of new criminal laws. They urged the government to ensure that all the accused are punished to prevent such incidents from happening again. The Action Council also demanded that senior police officials investigate whether there were any lapses in the investigation and demanded that everyone involved in the crime be prosecuted and given the maximum punishment under the law. The family stated that they expect a fair, transparent, and professional investigation, leaving no room for allegations of negligence or bias on the part of the police. They stated that they would soon meet with Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and other officials to present their demands and vowed to continue their struggle until justice is achieved. Initial allegations of delay, but later, the government bowed to public pressure It is noteworthy that initially, allegations of delay and procedural lapses in the investigation were raised in this case. The family stated that key legal provisions were implemented only after sustained public pressure, while the appointment of a special public prosecutor and other measures sought by the family also took time. Following protests and memorandums, the Kerala government implemented the mob-lynching provisions under the Indian Penal Code, began implementing the Supreme Court’s Tehseen S. Poonawala guidelines, and granted compensation to the
‘Cabinet expansion very soon’: Congress hints at Karnataka reshuffle after Rahul-DKS meeting
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday said the Karnataka cabinet expansion is expected to take place ‘very soon’, indicating that the exercise could be completed before the upcoming assembly session as consultations with the party leadership continue in Delhi. His remarks came after Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah, state Congress president BK Hariprasad and other senior leaders met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal to discuss the long-pending cabinet expansion. Speaking to reporters, Surjewala said the discussions had only begun and it was too early to announce a timeline. “Today, CM DK Shivakumar, former CM and Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah, our PCC President BK Hariprasad, and many of our ministers and senior Congress leaders arrived in Delhi. DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah have met Rahul ji, and they have met with the General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal. The discussions have just begun. I cannot give you a specific date right now; all I can say is that these are preliminary discussions. The Karnataka cabinet expansion will take place very soon,” he said. Surjewala said there are 20 vacancies in the cabinet and the post of Speaker is also lying vacant. “There are 20 vacancies in the cabinet, and the post of Speaker is also vacant. Let the consultations take place; anything can be said only after the discussions. The endeavour will be to fill as many vacancies as possible, or indeed all of them. Yes, I fully expect the cabinet formation to be completed before the Assembly session begins,” he added. Earlier in the day, Shivakumar shared details of the meeting on X. “Called on Leader of the Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi today, along with AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Shri Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, and KPCC President Shri BK Hariprasad. We remain committed to the welfare of our people and the continued development and progress of the state,” he posted. The Congress has been holding consultations on the cabinet expansion for several weeks. The exercise is expected to balance regional representation, caste equations and organisational priorities while filling 20 vacant ministerial berths. The expansion has gained significance ahead of the Karnataka assembly session beginning in August, with the party aiming to strengthen governance and prepare for upcoming local body elections. Nearly 50 aspirants are reportedly in the race for the available cabinet positions, making the final selection a politically sensitive exercise. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘500 farmers join CJP protest’: Sonam Wangchuk gets support from Rakesh Tikait, Kejriwal at ‘packed’ Jantar Mantar
NEW DELHI: Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk’s protest gathered fresh momentum on Thursday as farmer leader Rakesh Tikait reached New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar with around 500 farmers, strengthening the ongoing agitation against the Centre and adding to the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal over the NEET fiasco. The development came as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, with doctors warning that his health has become increasingly fragile after he lost more than 9 kg. Welcoming Tikait’s support, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) posted on X, “jhukti hai sarkaar, jhukane wala chahiye!” The protest also received backing from several opposition leaders and parties on Thursday. After remaining silent for weeks, the Congress made its first official intervention, reaching out to Wangchuk and urging him to end his indefinite fast while assuring him that the party would continue to demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s removal. The appeal came on the 19th day of Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “we share the anguish and outrange the Wangchuk feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt – for the collapse of the examination system in particular.” Congress leader Sachin Pilot also expressed solidarity with the activist and appealed to him to end his fast. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s stand, Pilot wrote on X, “The ordeal faced by students and their families due to the paper leak and various irregularities has shaken everyone. Rahul Gandhi ji and our party believe — the youth are the future of the country. No injustice of any kind will be tolerated against them. Students must get justice.” Earlier in the day, former Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also joined the protest at Jantar Mantar and shared the stage with Wangchuk before a large gathering. Kejriwal demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and went a step further by backing Wangchuk as his replacement. He said, “Exam papers are being leaked constantly, day after day. There are irregularities in the papers and flaws in the evaluation process… When the NEET paper leaked, 20 students committed suicide, yet the government took no measures to assure anyone that leaks wouldn’t recur. Further leaks followed the NEET incident, and the CBSE evaluation system was compromised, yet no action was taken against the company involved.” He added, “It appears the government is consumed by arrogance. I want to tell the government: either listen to the voice of the youth, or these very young people will throw you out of power in 2029… I urge the Prime Minister and the country’s 1.4 billion citizens to desire that Sonam Wangchuk be appointed as the education minister in his place.” Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also extended support to Wangchuk’s protest and visited Jantar Mantar. Moreover, apart from several senior opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, the CJP-led protest has also drawn support from prominent public figures. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and actors Swara Bhaskar and Prakash Raj visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. Meanwhile, doctors treating Wangchuk warned that his condition continues to worsen as the hunger strike entered its 19th consecutive day. His attending physician, Dr Satish Lamba, cautioned that the activist could face multi-organ complications if the fast continues. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). During a medical briefing, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg and now weighs 56.9 kg. His condition is being monitored round the clock by a team of doctors. “Today, on the 19th day of hunger strike, his total weight loss exceeds 9 kilograms. His blood sugar today is 80 mg/dL, and his pulse is 72 beats per minute. His blood pressure readings are 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting,” Dr Lamba reported. Doctors said Wangchuk remains hydrated and mentally alert, but medical tests show that his body has entered the second stage of prolonged starvation, significantly increasing the risk of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Kheri: 15-Year-Old Dalit Girl, Allegedly Raped, Dies by Suicide Days After Testifying Against Accused
A 15-year-old Dalit girl who was allegedly raped took her own life at her home in a village under Neemgaon police station in Kheri district on Monday. The teenager was found hanging from a noose inside her house, sending shockwaves through the local community. The case has become highly sensitive because the victim and the accused belong to different communities. Police officials acted quickly to prevent any unrest. Senior officers, including Superintendent of Police Khyati Garg and the local Chief Judicial Officer, rushed to the spot after receiving the news. Police forces have been deployed in the village to maintain peace and order. Accused Arrested Earlier This Month The tragedy follows a complaint filed by the girl’s mother on July 5. Based on her statement, police registered a case under Section 65 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with rape of a girl under 16 years of age, along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act. According to the complaint, the 21-year-old accused, who lives in the same village, entered the girl’s house around 5 pm on July 5 when her family members were working in the fields. Police arrested him that very night and sent him to jail the next day. SP Khyati Garg shared details about the case. She said, “Preliminary investigation by the local officer has revealed that the girl and the accused were in a relationship for over two years. The victim had initially denied the rape allegations, but after the FIR was lodged, she confirmed them in her statement recorded before the court under BNSS Section 183.” Police Investigate Circumstances Leading to Suicide Authorities are now trying to understand what drove the young girl to take such a drastic step. Police have not ruled out the possibility that she was under severe emotional stress after giving her testimony against the accused in court. A police official speaking on the condition of anonymity said, “Testifying in such cases can be extremely traumatic for young survivors. We are looking into all aspects of what she went through in the days after her statement.” The girl’s body has been sent for postmortem examination. Officials have made it clear that further legal action will depend on the postmortem report findings. A local resident who knew the family shared, “She was such a young girl. Her family is devastated. No one expected this to happen.” The incident has raised fresh concerns about the mental health support available to survivors of sexual violence, especially those from marginalized communities. Police continue to investigate all circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
CO Soumya Asthana, who was investigating the Lalita Gautam murder case in Meerut, has been removed; CO Ramprakash will take over the investigation.
A major reshuffle has been made in the Meerut Dalit student murder case. CO Soumya Asthana, who was investigating the Lalita Gautam murder case, has been removed. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against her. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against CO Soumya Asthana The newly appointed CO of Brahmapuri will investigate the murder case. The Lalita Gautam murder case has been in the news across the state. Rambabu Mittal, Meerut: A major administrative change has been made in the investigation of the infamous Dalit student Lalita Gautam murder case. CO Soumya Asthana, who was investigating the case, has been removed from the investigation. Her jurisdiction has also been changed. The investigation of this highly controversial murder case has now been handed over to the newly appointed CO of Brahmapuri, Ramprakash. Investigation initiated against CO Soumya Asthana According to sources, an internal departmental inquiry has also been initiated against CO Soumya Asthana. He is accused of being lenient towards some of the accused in the case and attempting to provide them relief during the investigation. In light of these allegations, the police department has decided to change the investigating officer. However, the department’s final conclusion on these allegations will only be revealed after the departmental inquiry is complete. The Lalita Gautam murder case has been a topic of discussion across the state since its inception. The victim’s family and various social organizations have consistently demanded a fair investigation. Meanwhile, the decision to change the investigating officer is being considered a significant administrative step in the case. PAC constable Ankit remains in the news The most discussed aspect of the case has been the accused, Ankit, a constable in the PAC. It is reported that during the initial investigation about 50 days ago, it was stated that insufficient evidence was found against him. However, events quickly changed, and following the lathi charge during a Dalit protest, the police arrested and jailed the accused, Ankit. This action raised many questions about the investigation process and the role of the police. CO Ramprakash will investigate As the new investigating officer, CO Ramprakash will thoroughly review the entire case again. Police officials say that all available evidence, witness statements, and technical facts will be examined impartially to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion. Victim’s family hopes for justice The change of investigating officer in the Lalita Gautam murder case and the initiation of a departmental inquiry have once again brought the case into the spotlight. All eyes are now focused on the new investigation. The victim’s family hopes that the new investigation will be impartial and that effective action will be taken against the culprits based on the evidence. It will also reveal whether there was any negligence or bias in the departmental investigation. Edited by: Vivek Mishra About the author Vivek Kumar Mishra is a Senior Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Online (NBT.Com). He monitors the political developments in Uttar Pradesh. UP Political Analysis, keeping an eye on the events taking place in Uttar Pradesh. Courtesy: Hindi News
Foundation stones laid for Dalit families’ homes at Pariyathukavu
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John inaugurating the foundation stone-laying ceremony for homes to be built for seven Dalit families under the Paryathukavu Unnathi project on Thursday. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John inaugurating the foundation stone-laying ceremony for homes to be built for seven Dalit families under the Paryathukavu Unnathi project on Thursday. | Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin Higher Education Minister Roji M. John on Thursday laid the foundation stones for houses of seven families belonging to a Dalit settlement at Pariyathukavu near Malayidamthuruth, close to Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam. The houses are being funded by the State government as part of their rehabilitation on the same land. “Supporting marginalised sections of society is the policy of the State government, and the function exemplified this commitment,” Mr. John said after laying the stones. The Minister attributed the successful outcome to a collective effort involving Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, ministers, the district administration, and a team of legal experts led by the Advocate General. The government will continue to support the families beyond the construction of houses, he said. Presiding over the function, Kunnathunadu MLA V.P. Sajeendran handed over the cheque for the advance amount to the building contractor. Benny Behanan, MP, attended. Each family will be provided with a 1,000-sq.ft. house, to be completed under government supervision within a year through sponsorship. The houses will have three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a dining hall, a living room, a sit-out, and a kitchen. All seven families have been allotted five cents with road access. The dispute was amicably resolved last month after the family of the late Kannatt Sankaran Nair, who had won ownership rights over the land through a prolonged legal battle, agreed to allot five cents each to the seven families residing in the settlement within the 2.69 acres of disputed property. It was also agreed that the government would withdraw the cases registered against those who had protested during the 15 attempts to evict the families following a Supreme Court order The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit child beaten and locked in a straw room: Mother assaulted and subjected to casteist slurs in Shahjahanpur; FIR filed 15 days later on SP’s orders
A case of assault and alleged casteist harassment of a Dalit child and his mother has come to light in the Nigohi police station area of Shahjahanpur. It is alleged that a neighbor first beat the child and locked him in a straw room. The mother who went to rescue him was abused, subjected to casteist remarks, and assault. The victim alleges that the police did not take action on the initial complaint. Finally, after the intervention of the Superintendent of Police (SP), an FIR was filed 15 days after the incident. According to the FIR, the incident occurred around 3 pm on June 30 in Jathiura village. The victim’s son was playing outside the house. It is alleged that the neighbor, Sanjeev, grabbed him, beat him, and locked him in a straw-filled room. When the child’s mother went to rescue him, the accused also abused her, used casteist slurs, and threatened to kill the mother and son. Lives Saved When Villagers Arrive According to the victim, villagers rushed to the scene after she raised an alarm. Seeing the crowds approach, the accused fled, saving the mother and child. The victim alleges that she filed a complaint at the Nigohi police station on the same day as the incident, but no action was taken. She also filed a petition the following day, on July 1st, but no case was registered. She claims the police colluded with the accused and drove her away from the police station. Despite multiple complaints, no hearing was held. Entered the House and Pressured to Settle at Gunpoint The victim alleges that on July 6th, the accused entered her house, assaulted her, held a pistol to her chest, and pressured her to withdraw the complaint. He threatened to kill her if she resisted. The victim also alleges that a police inspector pressured her to reach a settlement, which frightened her and forced her to agree to the settlement. A case was filed after a complaint to the Superintendent of Police. The victim claims that the accused continues to threaten to implicate her in a false case and is also being pressured by the police. She subsequently complained to the Superintendent of Police. Following the SP’s intervention, an FIR was registered against the accused at the Nigohi police station. Police stated that action had previously been taken for breach of peace. Nigohi Inspector-in-Charge Rajiv Kumar stated that action had previously been taken against the accused for breach of peace. However, following the victim’s complaint and demand for action, a case has been filed based on the written complaint. The matter is being investigated and further legal action is being taken. Courtesy: Hindi News
UP Dalit woman murder: Probe reveals cop ‘conspired’ with brother to kill Lalita Gautam
MEERUT: A Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) constable was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly conspiring with his brother in the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in UP. The accused has been identified as 31-year-old Ankit. He is the latest person to be arrested in connection with the murder of Lalita Gautam, news agency PTI reported. His brother, Ankush Kumar, had earlier been arrested for allegedly killing Gautam following an argument. According to police, Gautam’s father approached TP Nagar Police Station on May 16 and reported that his daughter was missing. Her body was found the next day in a forested area near Upsiya village. Based on a complaint filed by her father, an FIR was registered against Ankush Kumar on charges of murder. Police arrested him on May 18 on the basis of CCTV footage and other evidence, PTI reported. Police also said that although Gautam’s father alleged her body had been disfigured using a chemical, the post-mortem examination did not support the claim. During the investigation, police found that Ankit, who was on leave from the PAC at the time of the incident, was present at the crime scene and had allegedly conspired with his brother and helped destroy evidence. According to police, Ankit had availed leave from May 11, claiming that his wife was pregnant and expected to deliver on May 15. However, witnesses and villagers disputed this claim. Investigators said Ankit returned to his village on May 11, the same day Gautam wrote a letter expressing fear for her life. The probe further revealed that Ankit was upset over an earlier dispute involving Gautam and his brother. The Kalyanpur village resident has been booked under sections related to murder, destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy, along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit youth allegedly beaten for demanding wages: Died during treatment in Chitrakoot; family files murder case and demands action
A Dalit tribal Kol youth, injured in an alleged assault at a brick kiln in the Manikpur police station area of Chitrakoot, died while undergoing treatment at the district hospital. The family has accused the kiln operators of brutally beating him, the police of failing to listen to his complaint, and a hospital doctor of inhumane behavior. The family is demanding action by filing a murder case. According to the family, they took the injured youth to the Manikpur police station hoping for justice, but instead of registering their complaint, they were turned away. Subsequently, the youth was admitted to the district hospital for treatment, where his condition remained critical throughout treatment. The deceased’s family has also made serious allegations against a doctor at the district hospital. They claim that the youth’s leg was not functioning. While trying to check his leg, the doctor allegedly burned his leg with a lighter, worsening his condition. The young man died during treatment around 10 p.m. on Wednesday night. Upon receiving the news of his death, his family was enraged. They alleged that if the police had acted promptly and the hospital had provided sensitive treatment, the young man’s life could have been saved. The family has demanded that a murder case be filed against the kiln operators, an investigation into the role of the police officers who failed to act on the complaint, and strict action be taken against the doctor involved. Currently, questions are being raised about the police’s performance and hospital management in the case. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the police or the health department on these allegations. Attempts were made to contact Manikpur police station in-charge Ajit Pandey, but he was unsuccessful. Jitendra Kumar | Chitrakoot Courtesy: Hindi News